Bikers flock to Hawes
The high street with the Church towering above it
The former railway stationHome of Wensleydale cheese, made famous by Wallace and Gromit, the town of Hawes in North Yorkshire is considered the centre of some of the best walking country in England. The town is on the route of the Pennine Way, the UK's first National Trail, and is close to the Hardraw Force waterfall, which, at 100ft, is considered the highest unbroken waterfall in England.
Perfect for walkers and for those looking for a peaceful break, accommodation in Hawes mainly consists of welcoming and homely B&B guesthouses, and self-catering cottages for those who wish to enjoy a more private break. Tuesday, in Hawes, is market day. The town comes alive as indoor and outdoor stalls fill the area. The market is popular with both residents and visitors, and is the perfect place to pick up a bargain or a souvenir to remember a special break by.
As well as being central to some of England's most beautiful walking country, Hawes is home to the Dales Countryside Museum, owned and managed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. Set in the disused Hawes Railway Station, the museum gives a wonderful insight into the history and landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, with educational and informative displays that will entice guests of all ages to learn more about their surroundings.
The museum is free for children to enter, making it ideal for a family visit, and also offers full wheelchair access. It's open every day, and is a low cost way to fully appreciate the beautiful scenery and culture of Yorkshire.
The home of real Wensleydale cheese, Hawes boasts a visitor centre that attracts over 200,000 guests each year. The centre includes a museum and a specialist cheese shop, as well as an on-site licensed restaurant for those who want to experience the taste of true Yorkshire cheese in a selection of well-made dishes, accompanied by alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The museum and gift shop are open seven days a week, and are not to be missed, whilst visitors wishing to learn even more about the production of Wensleydale might also like to take part in the 'Cheese Experience' tour, watching skilled craftsmen at work on certain days of the year.
Fans of Wallace and Gromit will love the visitor centre shop, which boasts a huge selection of merchandise for purchase. Wallace and Gromit increased public awareness of Wensleydale cheese at a time when production was in financial jeopardy, and for that reason they are honoured in-store alongside other Hawes souvenirs.
Despite being a quiet and traditional town surrounded by open countryside, Hawes remains relatively accessible by main roads. The town is best visited by car, but is four miles from Garsdale railway station for those who wish to leave their vehicles at home and make the most of the walks available to them.
The town is home to a number of quaint tea rooms, as well as some quality restaurants, mostly serving fresh and locally sourced produce, whilst shops in the area mostly stock traditional souvenirs including rocks and gems, antiques, and locally-produced rope and cheeses. For short weekend breaks or longer stays, Hawes offers peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of modern city life, and has plenty of culture to enjoy and appreciate all year round.
High Street and church image contributed by George Tod. Railway station image contributed by Alexander P Knapp. Bikers image contributed by Steve Partridge. All images are copyrighted but licensed for further reuse under the Creative Commons License.
